Method and system for altering body mass composition using galvanic vestibular stimulation
View Patent ↗A device and method are provided for altering body mass composition in a human subject by applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) using electrodes placed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems. The current source includes a feedback loop for measuring a resistance across the subject's scalp and adjusting a voltage output to maintain a constant current across the subject's scalp. GVS may be applied for a predetermined period of time at regular intervals.
1. A device for altering body mass composition in a human subject, the device comprising:
electrodes disposed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems; and
a current source in electrical communication with the electrodes for applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) to the subject, wherein the current source produces a square wave current with an approximately 50 percent duty cycle within a range of approximately 0.001 mA to approximately 5 mA.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the current source produces a constant current within a predetermined voltage range.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the current source produces a current having alternating polarity.
4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a heart rate monitor which adjusts a frequency characteristic of the GVS in response to a heart rate signal.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the current source produces a sinusoidal current having a frequency that is less than the subject's cardiac frequency.
6. A device for altering body mass composition in a human subject, the device comprising:
electrodes disposed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems; and
a current source in electrical communication with the electrodes for applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) to the subject, wherein the current source produces a constant square wave current within a predetermined voltage range.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the current source produces a current within a range of approximately 0.001 mA to approximately 5 mA.
8. The device of claim 6 , wherein the current source produces a current having alternating polarity.
9. The device of claim 6 , wherein the GVS comprises a square wave current with an approximately 50 percent duty cycle.
10. The device of claim 6 , wherein the GVS comprises a sinusoidal current having a frequency that is less than the subject's cardiac frequency.